Today guest blogger is Jacki, a contributing editor on the blog Baby Loving Mama and the mother of beautiful 3-year old Belle. As a woman who juggles parenting, working, and law school, Jacki is no stranger to the challenges of balancing motherhood while still maintaining a sense of self. Here she gives us her take on how fashion and motherhood can co-exist.

I have a degree in psychology, so I tend to dig into social phenomena a little more than the average bear. One thing that has always puzzled me is how many women seem to equate frumpiness with motherhood. It seems to be like some unwritten rite of passage. Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally of the school of thought that motherhood is my ultimate purpose and passion, and children come first, always. But the thing that I don’t get is why we feel that dressing dowdy is the way to show the world that we are mothers who love our kids. Because of course our children have to look good. That’s a given. But where do we fall through the cracks?

I know that part of it is convenience. It’s hectic in the morning getting children ready, especially small children, and most especially for those of us busy moms juggling work and whatever else. As a single mom of a 3-year-old who is about to begin 3 years of law school, I understand. Of course hygiene and accessorizing take the backseat when there are more important things to do.

On the other hand, ladies, if you buy yourself that new bag you’ve been eyeing, or those shoes, jeans, or whatever it is that’s going to make you feel good about yourself, is that so bad? (As long as your bills get paid and your children are provided for, of course). In fact, it’s recommended by experts to treat yourself once in awhile. It helps keep us well-balanced and to be the best moms, and women, we can be.

Personally, I think bags and shoes are great to splurge on, because they’re staples in your wardrobe and can really pull your look together. Bags in particular are my downfall. I always gravitate towards handbags when I find myself impulse shopping. I think it all started when my daughter was about a year old, and I realized that I could exchange the diaper bag for a really big, but cute, bag and accomplish the same purpose.

It was like some sort of revelation. I love huge bags. I have a LOT of stuff to carry around! It’s part of being a mother; you have to be prepared for everything. If you ask me, you might as well look and feel good about yourself while you’re doing it. So do yourself a favor. Toss out the “mom jeans,” shapeless sweatshirts, scrunchies (please, the scrunchies), probably any form of sweatpant, and never consider your guy’s wardrobe as an option. It’s just as quick and easy to pull on a pair of cute jeans and a flattering shirt as you’re running out the door, and who knows what difference it will make. You’re worth it!!